News

Groundbreaking Ceremony

December 4th, 2012

Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. and the City of Clearwater will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the rebuilding of the Capitol Theatre on Tuesday, December 11 at 3:30 pm. Located in downtown Clearwater’s Cleveland Street District, the Capitol Theatre was constructed in 1921 and is one of Florida’s oldest operating theaters.

The Capitol Theatre’s complete transformation begins this month and represents a collaboration between Ruth Eckerd Hall and the City of Clearwater. In the spring of 2013, the theater will close for major construction that includes 3 new adjacent buildings, additional (all new) seating, expanded lobby areas, restrooms, dressing rooms, & large new roof terrace, plus a fully-equipped state of the arts theatrical stage.

“This is a proud moment in the continuing partnership between the City of Clearwater and Ruth Eckerd Hall. This groundbreaking will usher in a new era of world-class performances at the Capitol Theatre and will breathe new excitement to Clearwater’s Cleveland Street District,” said Mayor George Cretekos.

“When I joined Ruth Eckerd Hall in January of this year, my first priority was to rebuild and renew this theater and for it to be the crown jewel and anchor of downtown Clearwater,” said Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO. “ This vision is coming TRUE! This could not have happened without our partner, the City of Clearwater, its Mayor and the City Council,” Mr. Buffman concluded.

The theater will remain open until the spring of 2013, presenting international performers such as VH-1’sYou Oughta Know artist Delta Rae on January 10, David Bromberg on January 11, the Bronx Wanderers with 8 shows in January, GRAMMY® winner Gino Vannelli on January 26, Arlo Guthrie on February 2 and Judy Collins on March 9.